From the opening of several ethnic restaurants to the return of a favorite chef, here’s everything you need to know in restaurant news this week.
Open
Breadbangers: Federal Hill has a new lighthearted lunch spot specializing in over-stuffed sandwiches and pitchers of beer. From the music to the names of the sandwiches, Breadbangers is designed to evoke ’80s and ’90s rock bands like Def Leppard and Metallica. The chalkboard menu of specialty sandwiches is always changing. “Prices are low and the sandwiches are huge,” says owner Brett Marshall, who is also a managing partner at Bluegrass Tavern. 544 E. Fort Ave.
Clavel: This new mezcal bar and taqueria opened last week in Remington. Clavel’s menu and décor is inspired by trips that owner Lane Harlan (who also owns W.C. Harlan) has taken to Oaxaca, Mexico. Homemade tortillas, queso fundido, barbacoa tacos, and ceviche are just a few of the menu highlights. Clavel’s bar boasts more than 30 types of mezcal, which are featured in custom cocktails. 225 W. 23rd St., 301-848-2849
Opening Soon
Cava Mezze: This DC area Mezze restaurant is branching out to Baltimore. This location will feature Mediterranean dishes, like braised short rib and lamb shank, but will also include seafood options. Opening on Monday, June 22, this location will seat up to 120 patrons and have a full brunch and dinner menu. Be on the lookout for more locations opening in Maryland this year. 1302 Fleet St., 443-499-9090
Mi & Yu: Edward Kim is throwing his hat in the ring of Baltimore noodle bars with Mi & Yu. The restaurant will feature mostly ramen, but the menu will include pho and udon as well. This is not your college years’ ramen. 1016 S. Charles St.
Ch-ch-changes
City Café: While remaining at the helm of The Food Market, chef Chad Gauss is returning to City Café where he plans to make over the menu and bring the café back to its glory days. Along with City Café’s new operating chef James Jennings, Gauss is working on revising the menu to highlight the café feel. Classic dishes like crab cakes, NY strip steak, and hand-cut pasta, along with some of Gauss’s specialties like the chicken fun salad will be featured. “All of the customers will be able to experience the feeling [City Café] once had,” says Gauss. 1001 Cathedral St., 410-539-425
Tortilleria Sinaloa: Little Italy will get a taste of Mexico when a second location of Tortilleria Sinaloa opens in two months or so. This iteration will be larger than the original location in Fells Point and will offer outdoor seating. The menu is also expanding and will include burritos and larger entrees. 415 S. Central Ave., 410-276-3741
Closed
Nature’s Table: This healthy food joint is set to close in the coming months, leaving a culinary hole at the corner of Pratt Street and Light Street.